Iran is in crisis. Western nations, led by the US, as well as Russia and China have stated the world cannot tolerate a theocratic state with the atom bomb and are applying pressure on Iran to comply with the non-proliferation treaty it has signed.

Another reason for this crisis is Iran's split personality. The coming presidential elections of June will give Iran a chance to redefine its itself, torn between the values of an Islamic republic increasingly rejected by a large majority of the population and their desire, ever more impatient, for "Western" freedom and democracy.

The capital, Tehran...